Ohio Machine Sound Off: Player Q&A

How did the first weekend of training camp go? What was unique about it?

Marshal Burkhart– “I think it’s going really well. Getting everybody out here and everybody running around. It’s a lot of lacrosse in such a short amount of time, which is great. We got to knock the rust off. The guys are out here working hard and it’s been a lot of fun so far.”

Jeff Ledwick– “It’s my first training camp this year; I think it went pretty well. The first night it was a little different being indoors but we worked through that and I think we have some good team chemistry coming out of today. We were able to find the legs a little bit, so all in all I think it was a good training camp. But MLL training camp is a little bit different; in college you only have guys that are about four years ahead of you. Out here it’s pretty different age range and you only have a few short weeks to get ready. It’s a different feeling but it’s a good group of guys and we certainly worked hard this week, so it was fun.”

Scotty Rodgers– “The first weekend of training camp was good, so far we got six hours for professional lacrosse players is tough but it’s a good workout a good way to build chemistry – just get the rust out of the sticks and it was pretty fun overall. It’s unique because there’s a good blend of veterans and rookies and it keeps it fresh. I think it’s a great team and we’re building some great chemistry.”

Steele Stanwick– “It’s my first training camp because I kind of came in late to the league last year so it’s a great time to build team morale and get a little bit better. I think we’re kind of shaking the rust off but so far, it’s been a great weekend. A great first weekend to kick off and start the 2013 season.

What is the chemistry like on the field?

Burkhart– “The chemistry is good. Obviously when you have a situation like this where everybody’s coming from different backgrounds and different locations, chemistry is important. It’s good to get out here and get a feel for each other and see how everyone plays and I think that’s the biggest goal of training camp, is to build team chemistry.”

Ledwick– “It’s tough to build in just a couple days but I think we did a really good job of getting out there on the field and just working hard and working towards a common goal. I think that’s part of what team chemistry is and I think we all have that goal in mind. It’s a work in progress and it always is, but we’re off to a good start.”

Rodgers– “It’s a lot of fun. A lot of little jokes – making fun of each other and getting after each other. It makes it easier on the field with that brotherhood-kind of build and good chemistry with your teammates. Starting to build that little family atmosphere that we want.”

Stanwick– “It’s good. It’s a bigger crew since we haven’t cut it down to 25 guys yet so it’s different, but in a good way. I think the new guys are adjusting well and we obviously got to wait on our draft picks but it’s been great to gel in the newer guys with the older guys. It’s been running smoothly so far.”

What are you looking forward to the most this season?

Burkhart– “I’m looking forward to a better season than last year. Obviously as an expansion team you’re going to have your ups and downs but I think we have a nice group of people here that are all good players so I’m looking forward to a fresh start and bringing the community a lot of pride here.”

Ledwick– “Getting out there with the guys, hopefully win a few games, improve and build upon what last year was and no longer being looked at as an expansion team. I think that’s something we are all looking forward to.”

Rodgers– “I’m looking forward to playing in front of the Ohio fans. I went to school at Notre Dame so I’m back in the Midwest that has some of the best fans so I’m just excited for that.”

Stanwick– “Each and every week hanging out with these guys and trying our best and trying to get some more wins. I think we were very close last year to getting some wins, but we just didn’t really finish strong. Hopefully, we can kind of put it all together this year.”